Parents Police South View High School Halls

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HOPE MILLS — Last month's deadly shooting spree in Colorado caused fear and violence to spread all over the country. North Carolina schools alone received nearly 40 bomb threats.

However, something positive can be attributed to the recent rash of school violence. Students, parents and educators are coming together to try to make our schools safer.

Just two weeks ago, aSouth View High Schoolstudent was caught bringing a loaded gun and a knife to class. His classmates quickly turned him in.

School officials believe they can make the school much safer with the help of parents.

"My job is take care of your sons and daughters," said Principal Bob Barns.

Some parents will soon be walking South View High School's halls policing students themselves.

"The size of the school has all of the parents concerned. This is one of the largest schools in Cumberland County, and with all the violence around, we want to make sure it is a safe place for kids," said parent Wayne Badetto.

"I have my son, and I love him. If anything ever happened, I'd never forgive myself if I didn't do all I could to protect him," said parent Peggy Melvin.

"I don't think that there is anything more important to have on our minds right now than the safety of our boys and girls," said Barns.

School officials believe students may feel more comfortable turning trouble-makers in to parents rather than resource officers.

"If they know you are standing down the hall and they had a choice and they thought 'maybe my mom would see me,' then maybe they will think twice," said parent Becky Campbell.

Barns says it is important to get the parents in the halls before the kids are gone for the summer.

"We want to get the seed planted and the parents started being in the school so that the kids are accustomed to them. As we start back next year, it will not be something new to them," explained Barns.

School officials tried the idea Friday, and they said it was a big success.

If you have a student that attends South View and you want to get involved, all you have to do is call the school.

Currently they have about 75 parents signed up, but they need about 160.